letter to the editor from Richard Corbett MEP

10 July 2007

Daily Mail

Dear Editor,

Roger Helmer is being  wilfully misleading  in claiming that the Reform Treaty is identical to the abandoned Constitutional Treaty.

All the controversial elements that gave rise to calls for a referendum (the "constitutional" designation of the treaty, the creation of an "EU Foreign Minister" etc) have been removed. That, together with the various opt-outs and derogations granted for Britain , mean that the remainder carries very little constitutional significance for Britain . Rather, the set of practical and pragmatic adjustments to the EU institutions, such as strengthening Britain's voting rights in the Council, cutting the size of the European Commission, changing the term of office of the Council presidency from six months to 30 months and so on, should be welcomed.

Yours,


Richard Corbett

Labour MEP for Yorkshire & Humber
Blenheim Terrace, Leeds